American Beach in Nassau County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

A Dune System Called "NaNa"

Photographed by Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012

1. A Dune System Called "NaNa" Marker

Inscription. NaNa, the tallest dune in Florida, is a protected landmark due largely to the efforts of MaVynne Betsch (January 14, 1935-September 5, 2005), widely known as the "Beach Lady." Betsch, who once performed opera in London, Paris and Germany, returned to American Beach in 1975 as a full-time resident. Here, she used her resources and talents for the preservation of nature, the environment and the African-American community of American Beach. For this 60-foot dune system that she dubbed "NaNa," and the adjoining property to the shoreline, her efforts resulted in acquiring nearly ten acres as a national park now located in the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The "Beach Lady" also championed efforts that led to the posting of nesting signs for the protection of sea turtle eggs and encouraged residents to plant wildflowers on vacant lots to stabilize the sand as well as serve as hosts for butterfly nestlings and feedings. MaVynne Betsche, devoted the last 25 years of her life as this historic African-American community's most vocal advocate. Beach Lady is lovingly remembered for her mantra, "Getting the most from the

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least and living peacefully in harmony with nature is the most rewarding lifestyle."

A Florida Heritage Site

Erected 2009 by The American Beach Property Owners Association and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-660.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1975.

Location. 30° 34.388′ N, 81° 26.695′ W. Marker is in American Beach, Florida, in Nassau County. It is on Ocean Blvd, on the right when traveling south. Located 400 feet south of Lewis Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fernandina Beach FL 32034, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in First Coast,

in Greater Jacksonville,

and on the Sea Islands.

It is also in the American South

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate

A Dune System Called NaNa and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012

2. A Dune System Called NaNa and Marker

States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: American Beach at the Crossroads (a few steps from this marker); Evans’ Rendezvous (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Evans' Rendezvous (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic American Beach (within shouting distance of this marker); First Home on American Beach (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Guzman House (about 700 feet away); The Stewart House (about 700 feet away); Ervin’s Rest (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in American Beach.

Also see . . .
1. National Park Service - American Beach - Sand Dune. (Submitted on September 18, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
2. MaVynee Betsch, from Wikipedia,. known as The Beach Lady, because she spent the better part of her adult life educating the public on the black history and environmental importance of American Beach... on Amelia Island. (Submitted on September 19, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Photographed by Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012

3. A Dune System Called "NaNa" and Marker

A Dune System Called "NaNa" Marker seen along Ocean Boulevard, looking south image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012

4. A Dune System Called "NaNa" Marker seen along Ocean Boulevard, looking south

A Dune System Called "NaNa" Marker northbound on Ocean Boulevard image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012

5. A Dune System Called "NaNa" Marker northbound on Ocean Boulevard

Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 3,224 times since then and 186 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 19, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.